Council bosses concern over parents pulling children out of South Shields School

Local Democracy Reporting Service

James Harrison

Extra strain is being piled on a struggling school because parents are pulling their children out in fear of it closing, according to council bosses.

South Shields School was told to convert to an academy last year after being marked inadequate by Ofsted inspectors.

But now, after failing to find a suitable academy sponsor, it faces the prospect of being shut down in 2020, with falling pupil numbers threatening its financial viability.

The school, in Nevinson Avenue, currently has about 550 pupils on its roll and is expected to be less than half full by 2020/21.

According to a report prepared for the council, 129 transfer requests have been submitted by parents.

"The council wrote to all parents to explain the benefits of their children returning to South Shields School until the time came for them to move. Despite that the viability of the school has been rather challenged by the number of in-term transfer requests."

Councillor Moira SmithCabinet member for Children, Adults and Families

South Tyneside Festival brings £3m boost to borough economy

The South Tyneside Festival brought more than £3m into the borough's economy, a report says.

South Tyneside Council's Place Select Committee heard the event attracted a combined audience of more than 107,000.

This year's festival saw more than 40 different events including Sunday concerts attracting big names such as Pixie Lott and The Vamps.

It has grown to become one of the biggest and best free festivals in the country and is packed with live music, family-friendly entertainment and activities for all ages to enjoy.

Councillor Alan KerrDeputy leader of South Tyneside Council

Posted at13:4325 Sep

Council chief gets £11,000 pay rise

Daniel Holland

Local Democracy Reporter

Newcastle City Council's chief executive has received a pay rise of more than £11,000.

Council papers show Pat Ritchie's salary has now risen to £180,285 - almost £30,000 more than she was earning two years ago.

The new salary, which was agreed by an appraisal panel, brings Ms Ritchie (pictured) roughly in line with new Sunderland City Council chief executive Patrick Melia, though some way behind the highest-paid council heads in Durham and Northumberland.

BBC

A Newcastle City Council spokesman said: "Following the 2% national pay award for chief executives, the three point salary range for Newcastle's chief executive Pat Ritchie now ranges from £164,832 to £180,285.

"Her pay remains lower than many other council chief executives."

The median salary across the council is £23,111.

Deputy Lib Dem opposition leader Coun Nick Cott, said: "This raises issues of fairness and value for money at a time when council finances continue to be under great strain.

"We are also conscious that a significant part of the chief executive's role relates to partnership working with other public sector organisations, where the council is not directly responsible for delivery and achievement of key objectives."